first time at a dark site

[tuc]

Well then the skies were definitely mag 7. I've passed through Marathon about 10 times in my life while driving out west. It is a day and a half drive from Algonquin park, so I was way off!

I know what you mean about watching planets/stars over the lake. Last fall I was observing late at night at Lake Huron and I watched Vega setting-about 3 degrees above the horizon-and it cast a long reflection on the the lake. So rare to see that because usually there is about 10-20 degrees of lake smudge above the horizon.

It is particularly rare for Lake Superior to be calm, so you really lucked out. Oops, I'll be quiet now. I could talk about the Great Lakes all day!

[Neilius]

Me too, tuc. I've been there (lake Huron) 3 times in the last 10 years. I guess I'm lucky in having relatives who live a stones throw away from the great Lake Huron.

[tuc]

Well, those are my stomping grounds, so if you're in the area and want to look through a telescope just let me know.

[Neilius]

Excellent! My relatives live about 10 miles up the shore from Sarnia. You in that vicinity? Namely Brights Grove and Camlachie?

[tuc]

Lol, I'll take you to a darker area (oh, that sounds creepy). 10 miles out of Sarnia is too light polluted for me.

Have you been to the Pinery?

[Neilius]

Yes, I have and the scout camp 'Attawandaron' next door to it. No doubt you'll know the 'party' town of Grand Bend a little further up the road from there?

[tuc]

PM sent.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, Steve.

[dogfish]

Isn’t It a bit scary being out there in a dark spot all by yourself

I would be looking over my shoulder all night

Would have to take the wife ,or maybe not LOL

Lol, I have been at dark sites on my own and it can be scary. Just north of Glasgow there's the Queen Elizabeth Forest. I've been there on my own at 2 in the morning, listening to the rustling and hooting in the shrubbery - spooky! Then when a deer jumps out in front of the car when I'm driving home, can make you jittery.

Martin

[stevelcfc]

PM sent.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, Steve.

no worries mate

[opticalpath]

I had the same "OMG, it's full of stars ...!" experience one night visiting a relative at Gairloch in Scotland. On leaving the house, even before eyes were dark adapted, I was completely lost - the usual bright landmark stars being completely swamped by myriads of fainter ones never seen before from my usual suburban location. An awesome, unforgettable sight.

Adrian